“That’s good to hear,” Leo said. “Let’s hope none of us ever need that information again.”
“Is there anything else you require from us?” Aud asked. He wanted to get Leo out of there and back home so he could rest and continue his recovery. Aud also wanted to get to the gallery so Heather could have the days off he’d promised her.
“I think that will be everything for now.” Benet picked up his pen and bounced it against the paper. The clicking of it rang out in the small room. “You should both be prepared for a trial on this, unless Mr. Hudspeth decides to plead guilty and go for a plea deal. Since he hasn’t even attempted to post bail, that’s what the prosecutor’s hoping for right now. It would help save the citizens of El Paso County the expense of multiple trials.”
Aud nodded. “My lawyer said that if the criminal angle of this doesn’t turn out the way we like, there’s the possibility of civil lawsuits from all of us. Is that correct?”
“It is. You can all three sue Mr. Hudspeth for mental damages and stress.”
Leo glanced at Aud. “Let’s wait and see how the criminal case works out. I’d rather just wrap everything up and be done with it so we can all get on with our lives and hope that we never hear from Randal ever again.”
“Okay. We’ll wait it out and see what happens.” Aud stood and held his hand across the table to Benet. “Detective Benet, I thank you for helping us get this cleared up.”
Benet’s hand in his was firm and strong. “Just doing my job.” When Benet turned loose Aud’s hand, he offered his to Leo. “Mr. Caldwell, I hope you feel better soon. Also, remind Mr. Sanders that if he needs it, we have a list of rape counselors who will be willing to help him work through everything.”
“I’ll remind him.” Leo returned the handshake. “Just make sure Randal gets locked up for a good long time. That’s what we all want now. We want to feel safe again.”
“With your statement and the video, I don’t think he’s going to get off with just a slap on the wrist.” Benet came around the table to open the door for them. “If I need anything else, I’ll be in touch.”
“We’ll be around,” Aud replied as they left the room and headed for the doors.
The fall air rushed in, ruffling Aud’s hair as he opened the door out onto the street. It was refreshing. He hadn’t realized until then that it had been warm, almost uncomfortably so, in the police station.
Beside him, Leo gave a soft sigh that sounded like the same relief Aud felt.
Aud opened the passenger-side door for Leo. “Do you need anything else before we head back to your place?”
“I don’t think so.” Leo eased himself down into the seat. “I just want a pain pill and to go to sleep for a while.”
By the time Aud got into his seat, Leo had his seat belt fastened and his eyes closed as he leaned back. “Sorry I’m such a droopy wet blanket today. I feel like hell.”
Aud squeezed his hand. “I understand. Don’t worry about it.” He started the car and left the parking lot.
“You know,” Aud said as he drove toward Leo’s house. “I’d forgotten that we’re going to have a romantic getaway. We’ll do it as soon as you’re back on your feet.”
Leo flashed him a weak smile “Or at least comfortable on my back with my feet up?”
It brought a soft chuckle from Aud. “There’s that too. It might not be as nice a place as I had planned on for this past weekend. Ski season will be starting soon, depending on snow, so we might have to go for something a bit cheaper and fit in where they can get us.”
“It doesn’t matter where we go.” Leo squeezed Aud’s leg. “The important thing is that we’ll have some quiet time together. As long as you’re with me, that’s all that matters.”
They stopped for a red light, and Aud leaned over and quickly kissed Leo. “Good. That’s how I feel too. You’re incredible, and all I want to do is spend time with you.”
“Me too.” Leo sighed heavily. The tone was one Aud had begun to associate with Leo being in pain. “Unfortunately, right now, I just want to go lie down. Geez, I’ve already said that several times. I’m sorry I’m repeating myself.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Aud made the final turn to Leo’s apartment. “We’ll get you tucked in, and then I need to head to the gallery. Will you be okay by yourself for a few hours?”
“Sure. I hope I’ll be asleep. If I’m lucky, I’ll sleep until Felix comes home. I’m glad he felt like going to work today.”
“It’s a step for him recovering from all this,” Aud added. “Now we’ve all got to get our lives back on track.” Even if it’s a new track, since my life didn’t use to have you in it. He pulled up beside Leo’s place and helped Leo out of the Jeep and into the house. Less than ten minutes later, he drove toward the gallery, happily humming to himself.
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